Linda, I brought a few Dietes types back from Florida and have been growing a few from seed (D. grandiflora?). Until now I have not managed to bloom any, but the local Flora Botanical Garden has them blooming every Winter. I've never noticed a dormant period in the species or the Florida plants (which are cultivars, poss. hybrids), but they do seem to require a lot of sun to prosper. If they 'rest' at all, it may be in the Summer, when I noticed the least growth. Sandy soil seems to be favoured, but they benefit from some organics and may well be heavy feeders, given the chance. Too much moisture always concerns me, due to my naturally wet climate, but this may be a local association. I hope some others mention their experiences, as I cannot say I am successful with Dietes, they simply have carried on until now. Jamie V. Cologne, Germany Zone 8 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Linda Foulis" <plantlady@beautifulblooms.ab.ca> To: "Pacific Bulb Society" <pbs@lists.ibiblio.org> Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2005 6:08 AM Subject: [pbs] dietes > Hello, > I have dietes (not sure which, received the seed in a trade) which I have > growing in a pot. It has steadily increased in size each year. I bring it > in and allow to grow on through the winter under lights. It's about 5 years > old now. > Do they require a dormant period in order to encourage bloom? How hardy of > a plant is it? > It also has sword shaped leaves like d. grandiflora, can I assume it is? I > have a cold room, should it go there for a while? > Thanks > Linda Foulis > > Okotoks, AB > Canada > > _______________________________________________ > pbs mailing list > pbs@lists.ibiblio.org > http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php >